Construction industry vital for economic growth: PM

ASSOCIATED PRESS SERVICE

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday said the construction industry was very important for the country’s economic growth, infrastructure development as well as for employment generation. The government would take steps for resolving its problems and ensuring its growth and progress, he added.The Prime Minister was talking to a delegation of All Pakistan Contractors Association (APCA), which called on him here at the PM Secretariat this evening.
The Prime Minister asked all the concerned ministries to adopt a concerted approach in consultation with representatives of APCA for removing the difficulties which the construction industry is facing.
He asked the construction industry to train manpower not only for meeting the country’s domestic requirements but also the needs of the foreign markets.
The Prime Minister also asked the representatives of APCA to keep liaison with government bodies like TEVTA (Technical and Vocational Training Authority) and NAVTEC (National Vocational and Technical Education Commission) in this regard.
The representatives of the construction industry assured the Prime Minister that despite operational difficulties they would gear up efforts so that the government’s vision of ensuring housing for all can be achieved.
The Prime Minister was apprised that the construction sector provides direct employment to unskilled labour who are trained in various disciplines.
He was further informed that 29 local technology based industries are directly related to the construction business.
APCA delegation also briefed the Prime Minister about the potential in the construction sector with regards to improving national economy, infrastructure development and employment generation in addition to meeting housing needs of the people.
The Prime Minister was further informed that construction sector of the country is almost entirely working within the country and if it gets organized the sector has the potential of exporting its labour as well as consultancy services which can help the country earn foreign exchange worth billions of dollars.
Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Chairman FBR, Secretary Communication, Secretary Industries and Production and Secretary Housing also attended the meeting.